AFL action returns this week as the first wave of pre-season matches - including an Indigenous All Stars clash - prepare to offer some insight into what fans can expect for the year ahead.
A total of 18 games - made up of differing practice sessions and Community Series fixtures - will run from February 15 to March 2, taking us to just four days out from the home and away season's opener.
To conclude another summer of expectations, training notes, selection calls and coaching strategies, the coming weeks will hope to uncover some positives for each club.
Here we assess and name what fans from each faithful will be hoping to see from their AFL team this pre-season.
5. Essendon
Tsatas living up to pre-season hype
There's a big step between standing out during intra-clubs and having the same form against a rival opponent, and that's the step Bombers fans will be hoping to see from former Pick 5 selection Elijah Tsatas.
The young Bombers midfielder has been a talking point this summer with his midfield role anticipated to grow off the back of strong pre-season form, with Tsatas part of a long engine room pecking order under Brad Scott.
When Essendon suit up against two strong midfield units in the Dogs and Cats, their fans can hope to see Tsatas continue his promising pre-season to rubber-stamp his place in Scott's side.
Pre-Season Opponents:Â Western Bulldogs, Geelong
